Naladhu, Maldives

As one of the more
exclusive resorts in the South Malé Atoll (just a hop, skip and a
speedboat jump from Malé airport), the pace is slow and the vibe
luxurious in the Maldivian paradise of Naladhu.

Come if you want peace
(there are just 19 private villas on the island) and excellent
service (each has its own house master). You'll have your own pool,
sun deck, giant day bed and outdoor dining space, but you'd be mad
not to dine on the beach at the hotel's Living Room restaurant.

Not romantic enough? Opt
for the 'intimate dining affair' among the island's palms, in a
private cabana or aboard a dhoni boat.

With two sister hotels,
Naladhu scores highly for entertainment, too: if you want to attack
the cocktail menu, head to Aqua at Dhigu; if you fancy Japanese,
head to Geckos at Veli. You can explore all three hotels, including
the spa on Dhigu (unless you prefer the therapists to come to
you).

WOW FACTOR: The speedboat
pick-up at Malé that whisks you to Naladhu, with ice-cold drinks
and face flannels at the ready.

There are no bells and whistles here, no mega-spa (you can have
treatments in your room or at nearby Anantara Dighu), just 19
colonial-style houses with plunge pools, swinging day-beds, outdoor
dining areas (you may never need to set foot in the restaurant -
many don't) and fridges stocked with vintage cheeses and foie
gras.

Everything is tailored to you, from the books in your bedroom to
the wines in your fridge, and your 'housemaster' is there to take
care of your every whim.

Wow Factor: If you really need to feel connected to the outside
world, you can browse the news on a complimentary iPad over
breakfast.